There are many terms that can be used to describe the temperament of the Pekingese dog, but the one that most often comes to mind is stubborn. The Pekingese is also a very jealous dog and often this jealousy shows in the form of aggression. They may get very aggressive towards other dogs in their house or even in the neighborhood if they're nearby.

Whereas most dogs can be socialized into getting along with other dogs, the Pekingese is a hard and stubborn dog to budge. They may eventually come to tolerate other dogs in the house, but usually only if they have been playmates or siblings for a long time. If you do manage to get them to get along, it is not a transition that will take place overnight.

The Pekingese is often not taken seriously by many people because of their small size. As unbelievable as this may seem, it's almost as though the Pekingese can sense this and are fighting back to prove they are tough. They are a dog that wants respect from their owners and will do whatever it takes to get that respect. They are also a very jealous dog and tend to be aggressive with anyone, human or canine, that they feel jealousy towards. They are a one-person dog and decide right away who that one person is going to be. They decide who they will like and who they won't. They are a very loyal dog to their owner. It is not at all unusual, however, for them to be aggressive if another person in the household tries to discipline them.

They can be very loving dogs that love lying near their owners or on their laps. They don't like being told or forced to do something they don't want to do. Many owners have said that on numerous occasions their Pekingese would growl at them if they tried to get them to do something they didn't want to do.

Many breeders do not recommend the Pekingese as a pet in a home that has children because they tend to get aggressive with children. In many cases, it's the child's fault because they tend to think of the Pekingese as a puppy because of their small size and treat them roughly. In other cases though the Pekingese just doesn't seem to like "little people".

Pekingese are very loyal and protective towards their owner, making them a very good watchdog. They do tend to be too aggressive as watchdogs as well. They seem to have something to prove and they will stand their ground to get noticed and acknowledged.

Anyone getting a Pekingese as a family pet is highly encouraged to enroll him in basic obedience training at a very young age. They will make a great pet, but they need to be disciplined firmly and let know what acceptable and unacceptable behavior is. Unlike many breeds of dogs that aim to please their owners, the Pekingese will only do this if they feel it's in their best interest. Many owners, however, find this personality an endearing trait.